Some 48 companies joined forces with the EC to set up a EUR 3.8 billion Public-Private Partnership for bio-based industries in Europe.

July 10, 2013 (Press Release) - Today, 48 companies joined forces with the European Commission to set up an unprecedented Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for bio-based industries. The PPP brings together EUR 3.8 billion to advance the bioeconomy in Europe. The European pulp and paper industry is a strategic partner in this PPP, with 13 of the 48 member companies from the sector as well as CEPI (Confederation of European Paper Industries) as an associate member.

The PPP combines EUR 1 billion of public support from the European Commissionís Horizon 2020 programme with EUR 2.8 billion of industry investment. The initiative will create new markets and value chains for bio-based products, bringing jobs and growth to Europe. Today European Commission President Josť Manuel Barroso launched the Bio-based Industries PPP as part of the European Innovation and Investment Package.

Applauding the European Commissionís initiative, CEPI Director General Teresa Presas said: "CEPI has worked hard to help make the PPP become reality. It is a great initiative. This support for innovation and demonstration is much needed. It keeps investments in Europe and helps realise our industryís future."

The PPP will capitalise on Europeís research leadership to bring solutions to commercial scale via pilot and demonstration projects. It brings different industry sectors together to optimise and create new value chains. Equally, the PPP is set to boost growth and jobs especially in rural areas.

Biorefineries are at the heart of this development. Unlike conventional fossil refineries that use finite fossil sources, biorefineries use various sources of sustainable biomass and waste to produce everyday products. The biorefinery concept is well placed in the pulp and paper industry, which already constitutes a large part of the bioeconomy in terms of volume and value.

The industryís expertise in forestry, recycling, wood chemistry and fibre processing provides a unique and strategic opportunity in this initiative. The pulp and paper sectorís focus on value creation from raw materials is leading to new products such as bio-chemicals, bio-composite materials and second-generation biofuels.

About the Bio-based Industries PPP (BBI)
The BBI is a new Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) or Public-Private Partnership between the EU and the Biobased Industries Consortium (BIC) to realise the bio-based economy vision.

Develop the under-utilised potential of agriculture and forestry residues

Replace oil-based chemicals and materials with biodegradable and bio-based ones

Generate new industries, revitalise others, and create thousands of jobs

Diversify and grow farmersí incomes.

About the Biobased Industries Consortium (BIC)
BIC is an association that was established in 2012 to collectively represent the private sector partners in the Public-Private Partnership with the EU. The Consortium started with 40 European member companies (large and small) and is set to grow over time. It also includes associate memberships comprising RTOs, universities and European trade associations. It is host to a unique mix of sectors including agriculture, agro-food, technology providers, forest-based sector, chemicals and energy. Website: www.bridge2020.eu

About CEPI aisbl
The Confederation of European Paper Industries The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) is a Brussels-based non-profit organisation regrouping the European pulp and paper industry and championing industryís achievements and the benefits of its products. Through its 18 member countries (17 European Union members plus Norway) CEPI represents some 520 pulp, paper and board producing companies across Europe, ranging from small and medium sized companies to multi-nationals, and 950 paper mills. Together they represent 24% of world production. For further information, visit: www.cepi.org.